Michael Robert Stansbarger

United States Army Staff Sergeant Michael Robert Stansbarger passed away on July 6, 2009 after a grueling battle with service-related cancer.

Stansbarger was born in Williams Air Force Base in Chandler, Arizona and was later raised in Chandler as well. Stansbarger loved to play baseball, put together model cars, participate in Boy Scouts, and play the viola. Growing up, Stansbarger enjoyed going to school and was extremely sociable. He was described as a magnet to people; never short of a smile, laugh, or practical joke. Having been a natural leader, he was intuitive, independent, full of integrity, always kept his word, and continually stood up for the underdog. Stansbarger met his future wife and high school sweetheart, Nisa, through her cousin. While visiting him at his first duty station in Hawaii, Stansbarger proposed to Nisa and the pair decided to marry while there, not knowing when they would sooner get the chance. A few months later, she officially moved to Hawaii and they began their beautiful life together.

Having had a family history of men in the military, combined with his desire to serve and protect his country, Stansbarger enlisted in the US Army in 1999 and attended boot camp shortly after graduating from high school. The epitome of “Army Strong,” he loved knowing he was there to serve and protect, always willing to put himself on the forefront, even if it meant volunteering for deployment. Throughout his military service, he received several awards, including the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Driver and Mechanic Badge, National Defense Service Medal, and any promotion to move up in rank. After Stansbarger’s last deployment, he returned home and found a lump in his underarm. Stansbarger traveled to Texas for biopsies and received a cancer diagnosis attributed to his military service, specifically toxic burn pit exposure. He received treatment and was able to return to work in Arizona with his unit. Unfortunately, it was later found that the cancer had spread to his brain, causing him to undergo several brain surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy treatments, infections, and numerous medications. After 20 months, he unfortunately succumbed to his illness.

Nisa and her son, Zach, currently live in Arizona. In her free time, she loves being involved in her church and spending time with her family and friends. Additionally, she enjoys baking, crafting, organizing, painting, do-it-yourself projects, and walking. In the future, she is most excited to continue to watch her son grow and see what life has in store for him. Stansbarger would be proud of the young man Zach has become. Nisa would like to thank Stansbarger’s parents for raising such an amazing and unforgettable man. She continues to honor her husband’s memory by sharing his story and helping those around her. Nisa says she cannot express enough how grateful her family is for the gift given by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. With her mortgage paid off, she can now focus on her future and give back to her community with fewer financial worries. Finally, Nisa would like others to know that her husband was a brave soldier who loved his country. He made it his life’s mission to serve and protect. He was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, and friend. Nisa would like to remind others to surround yourself with those who love and support you.

United States Army Staff Sergeant Michael Robert Stansbarger is survived by his loving wife, Nisa, and his son, Zach.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Stansbarger family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.